Marilyn J. Yokel Obituary (1947

Marilyn J. Yokel, age 73, of Normal, IL and formerly of Albion, IL passed away Sunday, December 13, 2020 at her residence. A private family memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 29. Rev. Wally Carlson will be officiating. A public visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00PM on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL. The visitation will be limited to 10 people at a time and everyone should wear a mask. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of the donor's choice in Marilyn's name. Marilyn was born October, 12, 1947 in Mt. Carmel, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Lorene Mundy Higgins. She married Barry W. Yokel on September 22, 1968 in Albion, IL. He survives. Also surviving are her 2 sons, Chad (Shannon) Yokel, Maple Grove, MN, Cory (Desiree) Yokel, Bloomington, IL 4 grandchildren, Emma Conklin-Yokel, Carson Yokel, Ayden Yokel, Coltyn Yokel and brother Russell (Joan) Higgins, Bloomington, IL. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Lorene, grandson Landyn and brother Charles. Marilyn was an educator for many years. She began her career at Albion Grade School where she taught 3rd and 4th grade for 17 years. Being a lifelong learner, she continued her education as the Alma Mater, Eastern Illinois University, where she earned her Masters Degree in Elementary Education. She then earned her Specialist degree and Principalship certificate. After many years teaching, in 1987, she took her first position as an Administrator at Bone Gap Elementary School in Bone Gap, IL. She then took over as Principal at Albion Grade School in 1989 after the consolidation of schools in Edwards County. In 1991, she took a job as Principal in Roseville, IL. She was promoted to Principal and Superintendent of Schools of the Roseville School district through 1995. Marilyn then moved to take a position as Principal of Mary French Academy in Decatur, IL. After a long tenure at French, she retired (well for a bit anyway). Shortly after retiring, she started to pursue her dream of teaching at the collegiate level. She began working at Millikin University teaching a wide variety of Elementary Education courses. She was also a Student Teacher Advisor and Evaluator for many students while at Millikin. She was an active educator until she was physically unable to do so. She loved teaching and she loved kids as well as her profession. She touched so many lives in her career and throughout her life. Marilyn's legacy is with those she touched along her journey. She was so very proud of her work and those she helped. Marilyn's prized achievements were her home, her kids and her grandkids. She loved to have gatherings of family and friends to share friendship and laughs. She loved her family and spoiling her grandkids, of course they loved that too. She always had a bowl of their favorite treats for them to enjoy as well as a little gift or a few dollars. Marilyn was generous and kind. As a long time Methodist, she was devout in the belief and involvement in the church. She was brought up in a small country church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist near West Salem, IL. She was a long-standing member of the Albion United Methodist church in Albion, IL. She was also a member at Roseville United Methodist and Wesley United Methodist church in Charleston, IL. Since their move to Bloomington, she was most recently a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal, IL. Marilyn was an extremely special, generous individual. She was a mother figure to so many. She was compassionate, quick to check on you, offer a hug and was always up for a good laugh. Marilyn was a hard worker, and loved her family and friends so much. Marilyn's memory will live on through her many years as an educator, through her family and friends, and through her involvement in the church. Marilyn was a rare treasure who will be tremendously missed by so many. For anyone interested, the funeral will be recorded and may be viewed at www.calvertmemorial.com. To view, please select the obituary tab, select Calvert & Metzler, select Marilyn Yokel, and click "Tribute Wall". Please view the entire obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com.